Cass Lake
A 1,280-acre all-sports lake in Oakland County — one of Michigan's largest inland lakes, known for its famous sandbar, excellent fishing, and year-round recreation.
Overview
Cass Lake is the largest inland lake in southeast Michigan, spanning 1,280 acres across Waterford and West Bloomfield Townships in Oakland County. With a maximum depth of 123 feet and a perimeter of 28.6 miles, it contains numerous bays, canals, and islands across four major basins. Despite the great depths, almost 40% of the lake is less than 10 feet deep, with much of this shallow area only sparsely vegetated.
History
Cass Lake has a rich history of fisheries management, with the first investigation into the fish community on record dating back to 1890. The land that now comprises Dodge #4 State Park was donated to the State of Michigan by the Dodge Brothers Corporation in 1922, making it one of the oldest state parks in the region.
The Famous Sandbar
The Cass Lake Sandbar is a massive shallow area that has become one of the most iconic gathering spots on any inland lake in Michigan. On summer weekends, boats anchor along the sandbar where people swim, socialize, and enjoy the sun — a true Michigan summer tradition that draws hundreds of boaters every weekend.
Fishing
Cass Lake is stocked annually with walleye and musky by the Michigan DNR. The lake supports a diverse fishery including largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, black crappie, rock bass, yellow perch, and even lake trout in the deeper basins. Multiple fishing piers and a concrete boat launch with 80 parking spaces provide easy access for anglers.
Dodge #4 State Park
Just a 30-mile drive from Detroit, Dodge #4 State Park features one mile of shoreline along Cass Lake, a sandy swimming beach with buoyed swim area, two fishing piers, picnic grounds with shelters, a large bathhouse with changing rooms and showers, playgrounds, and a concrete boat launch. The park is open year-round, supporting ice fishing, skating, and cross-country skiing in winter months.
Recreation
As an all-sports lake with no horsepower restrictions, Cass Lake is a hub for boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The lake is surrounded by residential communities in Waterford Township, West Bloomfield Township, Orchard Lake Village, and Keego Harbor, making it one of the most accessible major lakes in the metro Detroit area.
Best Time to Visit
Best visited late May through September. Summer weekends see heavy boat traffic, especially around the famous sandbar. Early mornings (before 9 AM) offer the calmest waters for fishing and kayaking. Fall colors along the shoreline are spectacular in October.
Wildlife
Cass Lake supports a diverse ecosystem. Great Blue Herons and Osprey are regularly spotted along the shoreline. Bald Eagles have been observed in the area. The lake's deep waters support cold-water species including lake trout. Turtles, muskrats, and white-tailed deer are common around the perimeter parks.
Fishing Report
Cass Lake is stocked annually with walleye and musky by the Michigan DNR. Excellent bass fishing along weed beds and drop-offs. Northern pike action is strong in spring. Bluegill and crappie provide great panfishing opportunities. Ice fishing is popular in winter for walleye, perch, and pike. Multiple fishing piers provide shore access.
Safety
Life jackets required for all children under 6. Watch for heavy boat traffic on summer weekends, especially near the sandbar. Afternoon thunderstorms common June through August. The lake has significant depth changes — the deep hole reaches 123 feet. No swimming outside designated beach areas at Dodge #4 Park. Call 911 for emergencies; Oakland County Sheriff marine patrol is active.
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